Claims and Teachings - Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 40
40 and that is his second coming in the person of John we all know; But though Elias had come a second time as predicted, yet the Jews did not recognise him and therefore persecuted him. Likewise must Jesus suffer. Here he plainly refers to his suffer- ing in the second advent, because Elias to whom he likens his , case, was then suffering in his second advent. As he was not recognised though in the words of Jesus he had cornea second time, in the same way was Jesus to suffer when coming a second time like Elias, i. e. not in his own person but in the person of some one else. Vol. II B. B. (1903). The Christian calculations as to the time of the second advent of the Messiah. Three points arise in the solution of the question of the second advent, viz. , its time, manner and objecc. The element of time, if it is rightly calculated, should be our most important consideration. Moreover believing in God as the All-wise and. Beneficient Master, the conclusion is inevitable that the Refor- mer must come at a time when he is most needed. So the time of the advent is determined not only by calculations based on prophecies and the fulfilment of the signs foretold, but also by the need which is felt at the time. Asa matter of fact> the three nations, Jews, Christians and Muhammadans, to whom the promise of the advent of the Messiah was given, agree in one thing, if they agree at all, viz*, that the time is come. This remarkable agreement of opinion as to the advent of the new Messianic era, supported as it is by a general feeling prevailing throughout the whole world that it is just the hour of the appearance of the Promised Messiah and by the strong need which is felt at the present moment by all religions, proves to demonstration that in respect of lime we cannot go a step